The claims of a U.S. Patent define the scope of the patent holder’s right to exclude. In its 1996 Markman decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that disputes over the meaning of claim terms are an issue of law to be decided by a judge, not by a jury. A substantial percentage of patent verdicts are appealed…
Read MoreTag: claim construction
In last month’s blog, we discussed the Federal Circuit’s decision in X2Y Attenuators, LLC. V. International Trade Commission, a case which demonstrated how limiting descriptions of an invention in a patent specification can be used to restrict the scope of otherwise facially broad claims. This month, in ScriptPro, LLC v. Innovation Associates, Inc.,the Federal Circuit…
Read MoreOn July 7, 2014, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion in X2Y Attenuators, LLC v. International Trade Commission, which underscores the importance of carefully drafting patent applications with an eye toward litigation. The decision also demonstrates why form often dominates over substance in patent litigation. A copy of the opinion can be…
Read MorePros and Cons of Apparatus and Method of Use Claims Devices or apparatuses can often be protected by using two kinds of patent claims: apparatus and method of use claims. Each approach has its benefits and drawbacks. In general, apparatus claims expand the class of direct infringers relative to method of use claims but are…
Read MoreThis post may be helpful to those of you who litigate patent cases. While it is true that the most significant sources of claim construction evidence are the claim language, specification, and file history, courts often consider reliable sources of extrinsic evidence such as technical dictionaries and glossaries. In Phillips the Federal Circuit held that…
Read MoreStorytelling is the key persuasive device used to win lawsuits. Early in any case, good litigators begin to develop a compelling narrative with themes that support the outcome they seek for their clients. Patent cases are no different, at least when they get to trial. Before that happens, however, courts must construe the patent claims. …
Read MoreWe have observed many instances in which clients and patent attorneys communicate with one another like “two ships passing in the night” because they operate from different paradigms when speaking about patent issues. Such miscommunications may often go unnoticed and uncorrected. Of course, this can result in bad business decisions and other problems depending on…
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